Summary
This document proposes the supersedure of an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Boeing Model 747 series airplanes, that currently requires a one-time inspection of the fuselage skin adjacent to the drag splice fitting to detect cracking, and follow-on actions, if necessary. This action would mandate new repetitive inspections for cracking of the fuselage skin adjacent to the drag splice fitting. This proposal is prompted by reports of fatigue cracking in the fuselage skin and adjacent structure. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to detect and correct such cracking, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage, and consequent rapid depressurization of the airplane.